free appshttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/5289/all
enPrice Drop: The Weekend's Best App Deals, May 9http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/price_drop_weekends_best_app_deals_may_9
<!--paging_filter--><p>If you came looking for great deals on <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/9_apps_make_mothers_day_memorable" target="_self">Mother's Day apps</a>, welllll, just don't go looking for traditional moms. Now if your mom likes to blow stuff up and go on adventures, then have we got a treat for your dear mama. So get your fingers ready to go and pick out some great games for mom for this weekend. Or just grab a bunch of cool titles for yourself.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/price_drop_weekends_best_app_deals_may_9#commentsGallery2K Sports NHL 2K11accutuneanthillApp Lifeapp saleApp StoreAppLifeAppsAssassin's Creed Pirateschaos hdchunky comic readercivilization revolutioncooking dashDogWorld 3D: My Dalmatianfactor samuraifree appsfrugal lifejam playernuts infinite forest runonekey propassword plusplapproninsalestango remotetext 2 group prothe monster at the end of this bookweekly dealsFri, 09 May 2014 17:47:13 +0000J Keirn-Swanson19925 at http://www.maclife.comAdobe Voice Aims to Simplify Creating Video Presentations on iPadhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_voice_aims_simplify_creating_video_presentations_ipad
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/adobe_voice_-_screenshots_-_themes_620px.png" alt="Adobe Voice" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Have a story to tell but overwhelmed by the challenge of how to get started? Adobe wants to lend a hand in getting your voice heard with a new cutting-edge iPad app that takes the drudgery out of storytelling process.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.enhancedonlinenews.com/portal/site/eon/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&amp;newsId=20140507007019&amp;newsLang=en&amp;permalinkExtra=" target="_blank">Adobe today announced</a> the release of <a href="http://getvoice.adobe.com" target="_blank">Adobe Voice</a>, a free iPad-only app that helps users create animated videos to help share a concept or tell a story without requiring any editing, let alone shooting new material.<br /><br />Adobe Voice is targeted at creative professionals looking for inspirational ways to convey their message without a lot of the heavy lifting typically required with video presentations. In a matter of minutes, users can sketch out an engaging story, complete with animation, narration and music.<br /><br />To get users started quickly, Adobe Voice includes a variety of story ideas and example videos to help narrow the focus of the message they want to convey. The app includes free access to a library of more than 25,000 icons and images, and users can easily add their own right from the iPad Camera Roll.<br /><br />But it's not just about slick-looking content: Adobe Voice comes equipped with a wide range of animated themes that make static images come to life. Users can add their own narration in just a few taps, then round out the presentation with a selection of music to tie everything into a neat little package.<br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe-voice-show-your-story/id852555131?mt=8" target="_blank"><br />Adobe Voice</a> is now available as a free download from the App Store and requires an iPad running iOS 7.0 or later. The company plans to introduce an iPhone version later this year, and Voice can access Adobe Creative Cloud content from within the app, but does not require a subscription to use.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_voice_aims_simplify_creating_video_presentations_ipad#commentsNewsAdobeAdobe Creative CloudAdobe VoiceAnimationApp StoreConceptfree appsiPad AppspresentationsstorytellingiPadThu, 08 May 2014 13:48:31 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19917 at http://www.maclife.comAdobe Adds Lightroom Mobile for iPad to Creative Cloud Lineuphttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_adds_lightroom_mobile_ipad_creative_cloud_lineup
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/lr-mobile_ipad_sync_620px.png" alt="Lightroom mobile for iPad" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Subscribers of Adobe Creative Cloud are getting a little something extra in their Easter basket this month with the long-awaited arrival of Lightroom mobile, which allows editing images while on the go and automatic sync back to the desktop.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.enhancedonlinenews.com/portal/site/eon/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&amp;newsId=20140407006564&amp;newsLang=en&amp;permalinkExtra=" target="_blank">Adobe today announced the release of Lightroom mobile</a>, a free iPad-only companion app for the Mac or PC versions of Lightroom 5 that enables image sync between desktop and mobile.<br /><br />Lightroom mobile works with Adobe's Smart Preview technology to create high-quality proxies from full-resolution images stored on desktop versions of Lightroom 5, allowing photographers to perform non-destructive image editing, update metadata, or change collections from the iPad, then sync those changes back to the Mac or PC.<br /><br />The iPad app features a full complement of Lightroom tools including editing of RAW images from DSLR cameras or those imported from the iPad, along with the most popular enhancements and presets from the desktop version. When finished, images can be shared straight to popular social networks in just a few taps.<br /><br />Adobe is quick to note that this isn't a full cloud storage solution similar to its unlimited Revel service — while Lightroom mobile is capable of syncing an unlimited number of images from the desktop, the full-resolution files always remain in Lightroom 5 and only the Smart Previews are stored in the cloud as needed.<br /><br />In addition to Lightroom mobile for iPad, Adobe is also introducing a web-based component that allows synced photos to be viewed from any browser. The company plans to introduce an iPhone version of Lightroom mobile later this year.<br /><br />Although Lightroom mobile is free, the app requires a current subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to actually work, the cheapest of which is the company's $9.99-per-month Photoshop Photography Program that bundles Photoshop CC and Lightroom 5. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe-lightroom/id804177739?mt=8" target="_blank">Lightroom mobile</a> is now available from the App Store and requires iOS 7.0 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_adds_lightroom_mobile_ipad_creative_cloud_lineup#commentsNewsAdobeAdobe Creative CloudApp Storefree appsimage editingiPad AppsLightroom 5Lightroom mobileSmart PreviewsiPadMacTue, 08 Apr 2014 13:10:50 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19706 at http://www.maclife.comFireChat Promises Internet-Free Chat Between iOS Deviceshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/firechat_promises_internetfree_chat_between_ios_devices
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/firechat_620px.png" alt="FireChat" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Mobile chat services are great, until you don't have an internet connection and the conversation goes dark. That's where FireChat could potentially come in, tapping into the power of iOS 7 to offer chat with other users near and far.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/id719829352?mt=8" target="_blank">Open Garden announced the release of FireChat today</a>, a new iPhone app that offers a unique messaging experience which allows users to connect with others in the same building or halfway around the world.<br /><br />While any chat app worth its salt can communicate using an active internet connection, FireChat taps into the new Multipeer Connectivity Framework introduced with iOS 7, allowing an internet-free chat experience for groups of users within the same space.<br /><br />For example, FireChat could be used in a crowded environment where traditional Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity is spotty or absent entirely using its own peer-to-peer network. Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (despite not being a native build), FireChat aims to make chatting with another person or an entire group easy and fun, even when you're off the grid.<br /><br />“We may think that we depend on the Internet for everything. FireChat proves that it’s not always the case," said Open Garden CEO Micha Benoliel. “Thanks to the Multipeer Connectivity Framework introduced in iOS 7, we are now able to deliver a best-&shy;in-&shy;class peer-&shy;to-&shy;peer chat experience to anyone with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch."<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/id719829352?mt=8" target="_blank">FireChat</a> is available now as a free download from the App Store and requires iOS 7.0 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author,<a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank"> J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/firechat_promises_internetfree_chat_between_ios_devices#commentsNewsApp StorecellularchatchattingFireChatfree appsgroup chatInternetiOS 7Open Gardenpeer-to-peerWi-FiiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 20 Mar 2014 13:10:14 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19587 at http://www.maclife.comFlipboard Acquires News Reader Zite, Fans Have Six Months to Mournhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/flipboard_acquires_news_reader_zite_fans_have_six_months_mourn
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/flipboard_acquires_zite_620px.png" alt="Flipboard acquires Zite" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>When it comes to news aggregation apps for iOS, there are no shortage of options -- but that number just got a little smaller with word that Zite will be rolled into perennial favorite Flipboard.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.zite.com/2014/03/05/zite-is-flipping-out/" target="_blank">Zite announced Wednesday</a> that the CNN-owned news reader app has been acquired by Flipboard with the goal of creating "the most wonderful place to read news that has ever existed."<br /><br />Initially founded in 2005, Zite's arrival on the iPad often lived in the shadow of Flipboard, which tech media and users alike seemed to gravitate toward in much larger numbers. The so-called "Flipboard killer" never quite lived up to that nickname over the last three years, although it was a personal favorite of this particular journalist.<br /><br />We use the word "was" because Zite will ultimately be rolled into Flipboard, although users will have at least six months to continue enjoying the free app before such a change is made.<br /><br />"Our goal is to get the things that are great about Zite into Flipboard before shutting it down. We will also build a way for you to transition your data from Zite into Flipboard," promises Zite co-founder Mike Klaas. "Until then (for six months at a minimum), we will continue supporting Zite. Our users mean the world to us; after all, what Flipboard saw in us, you saw first. We hope you come with us and help us shape the future of news."<br /><br />It's an unfortunate turn of events for Zite fans, and yet another reminder that the apps and services we depend on every day may not always be around. Fingers crossed that the parties involved can find a way to make Flipboard work for Zite fans in the months ahead!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/flipboard_acquires_news_reader_zite_fans_have_six_months_mourn#commentsNewsacquisitionsaggregationApp StoreCNNFlipboardfree appsnewsnews readersproduct transitionReadingwebsitesZiteiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 06 Mar 2014 14:30:05 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19496 at http://www.maclife.comRoku Introduces $49.99 HDMI Version of Streaming Stickhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/roku_introduces_4999_hdmi_version_streaming_stick
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/roku_streming_stick_hdmi_version_620px.png" alt="Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version)" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Perhaps feeling the pressure from Google's $35 Chromecast, Roku is readying a new HDMI version of its Streaming Stick that brings more than 1,200 channels of video content for under 50 bucks.<br /><a href="http://blog.roku.com/blog/2014/03/04/introducing-the-new-roku-streaming-stick-hdmi-version/" target="_blank"><br />Roku announced Tuesday</a> that the company is now accepting preorders for an HDMI version of its Roku Streaming Stick, a $49.99 dongle that plugs into any HDTV and streams movies, TV shows, music, and more.<br /><br />Unlike the earlier version of the Roku Streaming Stick which was limited to televisions and other devices that used an MHL port, the new version requires nothing more than an HDMI port, available on every HDTV produced in recent years.<br /><br />Perfect for wall-mounted television sets, the Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version) doesn't skimp on the content, offering the same 1,200+ channels streamed in 1080p HD, complete with a hardware remote control and compatibility with existing Android and iOS apps.<br /><br />Roku will begin shipping the new HDMI-based Streaming Stick in April, but U.S. buyers can preorder today from its own website as well as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.com. The device will also be available in Canada, the U.K., and Ireland as well.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/roku_introduces_4999_hdmi_version_streaming_stick#commentsNewsChannelsChromecastfree appsGooglehdmihdtvRemote ControlRokuRoku Streaming Stickstreaming videoiPadiPhoneiPodWed, 05 Mar 2014 14:58:07 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19486 at http://www.maclife.comReaddle Unveils All-New Documents 5, Now Integrates with Other iPad Appshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/readdle_unveils_allnew_documents_5_now_integrates_other_ipad_apps
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/documents_5_add-ons_620px.png" alt="Documents 5 add-ons" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Although Apple has working hard filling out the capabilities of iOS over the years (remember when there was no copy and paste?), the lack of true file management continues to be an issue -- and one Readdle hopes to crack with its latest update.<br /><br /><a href="http://readdle.com/blog/2014/02/documents-5-will-create-an-interconnected-ecosystem-of-ios-apps/" target="_blank">Readdle announced the release of Documents 5 on Thursday</a>, a major update to the free file manager, document viewer and media player now in use by more than three million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users around the globe.<br /><br />With the latest update, Readdle aims to unify its entire suite of productivity apps around Documents 5 with "add-ons," which allow users to perform additional tasks from the iPad version when other Readdle apps are present on the same device.<br /><br />For example, a file being viewed in Documents 5 can now be converted to PDF with just a tap by hooking into the company's PDF Converter app. Likewise, Printer Pro users will have access to the full complement of options available while using Documents 5.<br /><br />At this writing, add-on integration is exclusive to the iPad, and support for the company's Scanner Pro app will arrive in a future update. But the ability to work directly with PDF Expert and other apps will certainly remove a major pain point that Apple still hasn't addressed with iOS.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/documents-5-by-readdle/id364901807?mt=8" target="_blank">Documents 5</a> also adopts the new look and feel of iOS 7 with a completely new file manager, the ability to drag and drop files anywhere, a new Favorites sidebar, color tags, background downloads and support for Windows SMB shares. The free, universal app is now available to download from the App Store.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/readdle_unveils_allnew_documents_5_now_integrates_other_ipad_apps#commentsNewsadd-onsApp StoreDocumentsDocuments 5free appsiOS 7PDF ConverterPDF ExpertPrinter ProreaddleUniversal AppsiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 27 Feb 2014 14:51:05 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19436 at http://www.maclife.comFleksy's Alternative Keyboard Now Available to All iOS Developershttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/fleksys_alternative_keyboard_now_available_all_ios_developers
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/fleksy_sdk_620px.png" alt="Fleksy SDK" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Assuming Apple doesn't introduce big changes to its software keyboard with iOS 8 this year, the folks at Fleksy may be our best hope for change now that they've opened the doors to all developers with an SDK.<br /><a href="http://fleksy.com/sdk/" target="_blank"><br />Fleksy today announced</a> the availability of its software development kit (SDK) to all iOS developers, a major step forward for users hoping for a third-party alternative keyboard for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.<br /><br />In December, Fleksy announced its ambitious plans with the launch of keyboard support for four apps, including the popular Launch Center Pro. At the time, the SDK was a closed beta, but today's release opens the doors to any and all developers.<br /><br />"With its latest update, the Fleksy SDK is now completely free of charge, requires no sign up and allows any developer to implement it in minutes, with zero lines of code and without having to make any changes to their app at all," the company announced Thursday. "Switching between Fleksy and the iOS keyboard is also completely streamlined."<br /><br />Additional Fleksy powered apps are also available today, including You Doodle, Write for iPhone, Tap Forms Organizer and Secure Database and Remoter VNC - Remote Desktop. Fleksy for iOS is a free app available from the App Store, and developers can <a href="http://fleksy.com/sdk/" target="_blank">download the SDK</a> right now.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/fleksys_alternative_keyboard_now_available_all_ios_developers#commentsNewsalternativesApp Storeapp updatesFleksyfree appsiOS 7iOS developersKeyboardsnew featuresSDKthird-partyiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 20 Feb 2014 14:56:19 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19372 at http://www.maclife.comLoop Could Make Mobile Wallet Dream Reality for iPhone Usershttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/loop_could_make_mobile_wallet_dream_reality_iphone_users
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/loop_fob_at_terminal_620px.png" alt="Loop Fob at terminal" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Near-field communication (NFC) was supposed to be the future, but while Google Wallet has mostly neutered its ambitions and Isis Wallet stumbled out of the gate, is there any hope for contactless mobile payments? The folks behind Loop say yes.<br /><a href="http://www.looppay.com/" target="_blank"><br />Loop announced Wednesday</a> that its first mobile wallet hardware and iOS app are now available to U.S. customers, allowing consumers to store their credit or debit, gift and reward cards in the palm of their hands.<br /><br />The free LoopWallet app for iPhone works in conjunction with one of two hardware components. The first is the <a href="http://www.looppay.com/product/fob/" target="_blank">Loop Fob</a>, a small Square-esque dongle which is used to swipe existing credit or debit cards into a secure account. At nearly any retail point-of-sale terminal, the Fob is held close to the card swipe area and payment information can be magnetically transferred to the merchant, much in the same way physical cards do.<br /><br />Shipping now for $39, the Loop Fob seems like an ingenious way to get around the fact that Apple doesn't seem interested in adding an NFC chip to the iPhone to enable "tap to pay," which many competing Android devices offer. However, the Loop Fob may actually be a better option, since it can be used plugged into the iPhone headphone jack or tucked away inside an included rubber sleeve and handed to a server or bartender.<br /><br />Loop also offers a $99 <a href="http://www.looppay.com/product/charge-case/" target="_blank">ChargeCase</a> for the iPhone 5 and 5s that frees the service from a dongle while increasing battery life by as much as 60 percent. Available in black or white, the ChargeCase is accepting preorders now, but won't ship until the end of April; the Loop Fob is shipping now.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/loop_could_make_mobile_wallet_dream_reality_iphone_users#commentsNewscredit cardsdebit cardsfree appsGoogle WalletLoopLoop FobLoopWalletmobile paymentsmobile walletNFCretailersiPhoneThu, 20 Feb 2014 14:35:51 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19371 at http://www.maclife.comCinch Grinch Aims to Make Last-Minute Gifts for Loved Ones a Snaphttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/cinch_grinch_aims_make_lastminute_gifts_loved_ones_snap
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/cinch_grinch_update_620px.png" alt="Cinch Grinch" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>It's nearly a week before Christmas and you're still trying to find gifts for your family members? Last-minute gift giving gets a boost this year thanks to the debut of Cinch Grinch.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cinch-great-advice/id692198647?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Klout released an update to its Cinch app for iPhone this week</a>, adding a new feature called "Cinch Grinch" which offers a free way to find gifts for loved ones this holiday season.<br /><br />Featuring the popular Dr. Seuss character of the same name, Cinch Grinch offers targeted advice for last-minute gift buying. Tell the app who you're buying for and their areas of interest along with how much you're willing to spend on them, and the feature will serve up a personal recommendation for the ideal present.<br /><br />While Cinch Grinch may be new for the holidays, the free Cinch by Klout app for iPhone offers up advice all year round -- just ask the app a question and it will offer back suggestions from the people who know best.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cinch-great-advice/id692198647?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Cinch 1.4</a> is now available as a free download from the App Store and requires iOS 7.0 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/cinch_grinch_aims_make_lastminute_gifts_loved_ones_snap#commentsNewsadviceApp StoreCinchCinch Grinchdr. seussfamilyfree appsgift buyingGift IdeasKloutloved onessuggestionsiPhoneTue, 17 Dec 2013 14:11:39 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18890 at http://www.maclife.comMorpholio Adds Filters, Layers, Zoom to Trace 2.0 Sketch Toolshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/morpholio_adds_filters_layers_zoom_trace_20_sketch_tools
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/morpholio_trace_2.0_620px.png" alt="Trace 2.0" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The iPad has become a great tool for many artists, but when it comes to tracing over existing photographs or other media, the technology tends to get in the way -- a problem the latest version of Trace seeks to eliminate.<br /><br />Morpholio announced Monday the release of <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/morpholio-trace/id547274918?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Trace 2.0</a>, the latest version of its free sketching and design app for the iPad that allows artists to draw over imported images and sketch with ease.<br /><br />"[The] design process works iteratively, as our thoughts build and expand upon one another," remarks co-creator Anna Kenoff. "Trace 2.0 attempts to put this process in hyper drive with the introduction of three game changing tools for the creative world."<br /><br />Trace 2.0 introduces 12 filters including ink, marker and perforation to better simulate the experience of sketching in the real world -- but with digital advantages such as layers, which allow artists to flip back and forth, adding, editing or removing information as necessary. The third feature allows artists to zoom in to add even the most minute details to a sketch.<br /><br />Last but not least, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/morpholio-trace/id547274918?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Trace 2.0</a> now includes a wide range of methods for sharing or posting work. The iPad-only app is compatible with iOS 5.0 or later and now available as a free download from the App Store; a wide range of optional in-app purchases can also enhance the experience with grid templates, male or female figures, diagrams and other creative possibilities.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /></a></em></p><p><iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/81946888?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/81946888">Trace 2.0 Launch</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/themorpholioproject">The Morpholio Project</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morpholio_adds_filters_layers_zoom_trace_20_sketch_tools#commentsNewsApp Storeartistsdrawingfree appsiPad Appsmorpholiomorpholio tracenew featuresSketchTrace 2.0tracing paperiPadMon, 16 Dec 2013 14:28:39 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18878 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle Maps for iOS Now Taps Into Gmail, Google Drive Can Finally Sorthttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_maps_ios_now_taps_gmail_google_drive_can_finally_sort
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_maps_on_ipad_620px.png" alt="Google Maps for iPad" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>With every update, Google manages to improve its own third-party apps a little more on the iOS platform. This week, both Google Maps and Google Drive received welcome updates that bring small but convenient features.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8" target="_blank">Google updated Google Maps for iOS to version 2.5.0 on Wednesday</a>, introducing the ability to pull flight, hotel and restaurant reservations straight from a Gmail account straight into Maps search results.<br /><br />The same feature was introduced earlier this year for the desktop version of Google Maps, which automatically populates location-based information with a user's Gmail travel data when searching. The update also brings the requisite round of bug fixes, although Google doesn't detail exactly what is covered this time around.<br /><br />Earlier this week, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-drive/id507874739" target="_blank">Google Drive for iOS also received a welcome update to version 2.2</a>, finally adding the ability to sort items -- exactly what heavy-duty Drive users need to help manage all the stuff they've tossed into their cloud storage account.<br /><br />In addition to "under the hood speed and usability improvements," Google Drive for iOS 2.2 also adds the ability to find and replace in Documents, which should make it much easier when the need arises to fix a typographical error.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8" target="_blank">Google Maps for iOS 2.5</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-drive/id507874739" target="_blank">Google Drive for iOS 2.2</a> are now available from the App Store.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_maps_ios_now_taps_gmail_google_drive_can_finally_sort#commentsNewsApp Storeapp updatesDocumentsEditingfind and replacefree appsGmailGoogleGoogle Drivegoogle mapssortingiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 12 Dec 2013 14:26:02 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18848 at http://www.maclife.comAngry Birds Go! Finally a Go, Now Available Free from App Storehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/angry_birds_go_finally_go_now_available_free_app_store
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/angry_birds_go_launch_620px.png" alt="Angry Birds Go!" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Love 'em or hate 'em, Rovio's Angry Birds are here to stay as the modern-day equivalent to classic video game legends like Pac-Man and Space Invaders -- but the latest iteration offers a whole new way to play.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rovio.com/en/news/blog/437/angry-birds-go-out-now-see-the-video-and-start-playing-for-free" target="_blank">Rovio announced Wednesday</a> the release of Angry Birds Go!, a new free (with optional in-app purchases, naturally) game that pits the irritated fowl against the pigs from an entirely new vantage point.<br /><br />"Ready, set, go! The birds and pigs go soapbox racing in our brand new game that’s out today for all major platforms," Rovio announced in a blog post. "In Angry Birds Go! you see Piggy Island in glorious 3D for the first time ever as you race through speedways, canyons, stunt roads and air courses as your favorite character."<br /><br />Angry Birds Go! features more than 50 soapbox karts, which can be upgraded by collecting bird coins along the way or making an in-app purchase, for those who aren't patient enough to actually play to win.<br /><br />Naturally, Hasbro's new TELEPODS figures can also be incorporated into the fun, and Rovio promises "fun new content and exciting gameplay" with future game updates, starting with multiplayer support in the spring of 2014.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds-go!/id642821482?mt=8" target="_blank">Angry Birds Go!</a> is now available from the App Store as a free, universal app, with the coordinated worldwide launch also touching down on Android, Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10 at the same time.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/angry_birds_go_finally_go_now_available_free_app_store#commentsNews3DAngry BirdsAngry Birds GoApp Storefree appsgamesios gamingkart racingmobile gamingmultiplayerRovioiPadiPhoneiPodWed, 11 Dec 2013 14:16:26 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18837 at http://www.maclife.comApple's 12 Days of Gifts Arrives in U.S. App Store for First Timehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples_12_days_gifts_arrives_us_app_store_first_time
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/12_days_of_gifts_620px.png" alt="12 Days of Gifts" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Let's face it: Apple's U.S. customers are used to having the home field advantage. We're the first ones to get Cupertino's latest products and services, with one curious exception that seems to have vanished this year.<br /><br />Apple released its free, universal <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/12-days-of-gifts/id777716569?mt=8" target="_blank">12 Days of Gifts</a> app for the 2013 holiday season in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, but this year marks a change now that U.S. residents can get in the action.<br /><br />12 Days of Gifts is a 64.7MB app whose sole purpose is to give away free content to those who download it -- a tradition Apple has offered up overseas for several years now, but never to those in the United States. Apparently, Santa's elves in Cupertino decided to let Americans get in on the fun this year for the first time ever.<br /><br />"From 26 December – 6 January, you can download a gift each day -- songs, apps, books, movies, and more -- with the 12 Days of Gifts app," the app description reads. "Each day's gift will only be available for 24 hours, so download the free app to make sure you don’t miss out."<br /><br />The app description still notes "not all content is available in all countries," although this year that doesn't appear to include the United States. Be sure to download the app today and check back on December 26 for the first round of freebies!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples_12_days_gifts_arrives_us_app_store_first_time#commentsNews12 Days of GiftsApp StoreApple Inc.AppsBooksdownloadsfree appsGiftsiTunesmoviesMusicSongsUnited StatesiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 10 Dec 2013 14:53:33 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18827 at http://www.maclife.comAdornably Delivers 3D Virtual Interior Design Savvy to iPadhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/adornably_delivers_3d_virtual_interior_design_savvy_ipad
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/adornably_app_screenshot_2_-_my_designs_edit_620px.png" alt="Adornably" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Looking to redecorate your living space but not looking forward to the heavy lifting involved? A new iPad app gives you a chance to visualize that new look in photorealistic 3D, all without lifting a single piece of furniture.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.adornably.com/" target="_blank">Adornably</a> launched its home design platform with <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adornably/id716260052?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">a free iPad app</a> on Tuesday, which allows users to snap photos of their living space and customize it with photorealistic, 3D images of furniture perfectly scaled to any room.<br /><br />The app uses a magazine to help automatically scale virtual furniture to a real-world room — drop it on the floor, snap a photo using the built-in iPad camera and then browse Adornably's virtual showroom featuring hundreds of furniture items from top brands such as Stanley, Vanguard and Theodore Alexander.<br /><br />“We’re thrilled that our technology is able to showcase virtual furniture in such a true-to-life photorealistic manner.” said Marc Lebovitz, CEO of Adornably. “Adornably will set the interior designer inside all of us free and make everyone’s home a design playground.”<br /><br />Adornably's "My Design" mode allows users to add to, change or delete furniture items from a living space, which can include home, office or even a new piece of real estate buyers might be eyeing. A live mode even allows users to walk around the living space in real time while viewing the virtual furniture on the iPad screen.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adornably/id716260052?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Adornably</a> is a free iPad-only app now available on the App Store, and requires iOS 6.0 or later; the company plans to expand its available virtual furniture inventory with regular updates pushed to the app, and has set up a Facebook page so users can be notified when new updates or features are available.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qzx1xMlo1kw" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/adornably_delivers_3d_virtual_interior_design_savvy_ipad#commentsNews3D modelingAdornablyApp Storebrand namescatalogsfree appsfurniturehome decorinterior designiPad AppsiPadTue, 10 Dec 2013 14:09:11 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18825 at http://www.maclife.com